Phophi Ramathuba reigns as Limpopo Premier
On Friday the 14th, the 7th administration convened its first sitting since the May general elections. The session, held at the Lebowakgomo legislature chambers outside Polokwane, was presided over by Judge President George Phatudi. Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, a medical doctor by profession and seasoned politician, was elected unopposed as the new Premier of Limpopo. Ramathuba previously served with distinction as the Health MEC during the 6th administration, where she demonstrated her passion and capabilities in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Ramathuba is notably the first female Premier of Limpopo since the dawn of democracy in 1994. The 7th administration also includes two other key legislative roles, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, both held by women elected unopposed. In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba expressed gratitude to her predecessors, particularly outgoing Premier Stanley Mathabatha, who served for two full terms and entrusted her with the crucial health portfolio.
“My election is not personal but a call to action. I do not take this responsibility for granted. Your confidence in me has placed on my shoulders and those of other deployees a necessary burden to work diligently and tirelessly to change the lives of our people for the better,” Ramathuba stated.
The centerpiece of her administration focuses on combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV), creating job opportunities, improving water provision, and enhancing tourism by promoting Limpopo as a rich cultural holiday destination. The 7th administration also aims to drive industrialization and manufacturing to spur economic growth and development. Ramathuba will elaborate on the government’s plans during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) expected by the end of June, and will announce her cabinet after consulting with stakeholders.
Makoma Makurepetja was elected as the new Speaker, while Portia Mamorobela was elected Deputy Speaker. A total of 62 members were sworn in, with the number of Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs) increasing slightly from 59 to 64 in the 6th administration.
Who is Dr. Phophi Ramathuba?
Born in the early 1970s in Ha-Mashamba village, Vhembe district, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba was raised by educator parents who instilled a love for education. After matriculating, she pursued a Bachelor of Medicine (MBCHB) at the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA), now known as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Pretoria, where she successfully completed her studies. She furthered her education with a Master’s Degree in Medical Pharmacology from the University of Pretoria and an Advanced Health Management qualification from Manchester Business School.
Ramathuba’s political activism began during her time as a medical student, serving on the Branch Executive Committee of the South African Student Congress (SASCO) and later as General Secretary and Deputy President of the Student Representative Council (SRC). After completing her medical studies, she returned to Limpopo, where she served as an intern at Mokopane and George Masebe hospitals, performing community service work between 2000 and 2001. In 2001, she was appointed a Medical Officer at Voortrekker Hospital, and by 2002, she was promoted to Senior Clinical Manager, eventually becoming Head of the Institution in 2004 until 2011.
Her exemplary performance earned her several awards, including the Premier’s Service Excellence Award in 2015. Dr. Ramathuba’s active involvement in community-based structures and workplace transformation led to the formation of the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU), where she served as President of the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
A mother of two girls, Ramathuba, continues to be a vocal gender and social activist. In 2015, after performing a C-section during her night shift, she was called by her predecessor to serve in his cabinet as the Health MEC, a role she held until the end of the 6th administration. In addition to her advocacy, she maintains her fitness by participating in sports, recently completing the Makoro 10km Marathon in March as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon.